The Extras: Emergency Kits Aren’t Just about the Necessities

Do you have a Type-A father? One who saves a packing list on his computer for every kind of trip – two  weeks in California, a weekend in Rhode Island, an afternoon in Vermont and who organizes, in a filing cabinet, no less, menus from almost every restaurant he’s ever been to, arranged by city.

His organization/borderline obsessive compulsive disorder allows him to be prepared for every outing, and the way he packs his car is no exception. This kind of father isn’t just ready for emergencies. He is prepared for any kind of occurrence, no matter how frivolous. You might not want to take it to that level. But you should consider packing the following items in your vehicle:

Gym clothes

Want to stay trim? Do you lose the inspiration to go to the gym if you don’t head that way when the urge initially strikes? Then why not be prepared? When you always have fresh shorts and sneakers stored in your duffel, you never have an excuse to not go to the gym. You should also pack deodorant, shampoo and a towel so you can shoehorn a workout in before or after a day at the office.

Emergency straws

Fast-food lovers and soda-shop connoisseurs alike, especially those who love a good milkshake, know that a good straw is hard to find. Frequently they’re too skinny for an ultra-thick frappe. Many times, the person working the drive-thru will forget to give you one at all. It is for this precise reason that you should always invest in a pack of extra straws to keep in the glove compartment.

Napkins and tissues

Spare napkins are a must, even if you don’t allow anyone to eat in the car. In this same vein, keep a box of facial tissues in the back seat. Colds and allergies can strike at any time, so Kleenex should always be on hand.

Spare shirt and shoes

You could be a messy eater, but stains aren’t an option. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a clean shirt stowed away with the workout clothes. If you foul your shirt at lunch, it’s good to have an emergency backup shirt that will go with almost anything. It’s not a bad idea to keep a spare pair of dress shoes on hand, either, in case you have to go to an unexpected formal affair.

Sure, some folks will sneer at your preparations. But they’ll also be amazed when you’re able to deal with any surprise problem that crops up. Be prepared might be trite, but it works.

Source: AutoInsurance